Introduction
If you have access to a computer and modem then you are no doubt already interested in the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW). I want to highlight some of the resources available to you on the net and on disk. This chapter will show how useful the web is when researching for information or downloading useful programs.
Latest news …
Here are some interesting technologies together with a web link. Please note that the ‘root’ web address is given because many more detailed links become out of date. You will have to ‘dig’ a little to find the specific details. The snippets of information and links are presented in no particular order or for any reason other than that I found them interesting
Automotive technology – electronics
Work – and how to fix them when they do not! AT Electronics helps you learn how systems (engine management in particular) operate, how the inputs to a system affect its outputs, and what the effects are when a fault occurs. Diagnostic routines, which are built into the program, will allow you to put into practice some of the skills you develop but ensure that you work in a logical way. The Multicore feature allows you to examine signals from sensors and those supplied to actuators.
It also contains a scanner and millimeter to show typical readings. A telemetry screen, text, and pictures window can also be used. Learning tasks, which are part of the help file, will help you work your way through the program. The program allows you to control the inputs to systems and note the effect this has on the outputs. In this way, you will start to understand the operation of automotive electronic systems.
Shows the charging system simulation. In this case, an example of the inputs would be engine/alternator speed and an example of the outputs would be the system voltage. Diagnostics are possible by creating a fault and carrying out tests to locate it! A database is built into the program to assist with this and Multicore has lots of functions to help. The methods used are appropriate for use on real systems.
This is an ideal training system for trainees and students. The main simulation windows relate the engine management, starting and charging – but others are ‘under construction.
Assignment
Look back at any of the other assignments in this book and choose one for further study. Your task is to use the web as your research tool. Produce a report on the latest technology developments in your chosen subject area. Email it to me if you wish and I may be able to use it in the next edition. Good luck with your future studies and work – keep in touch.
One of the ‘fuels of the future’ is hydrogen because it produces zero emissions, particularly when used in fuel cells. The number of fuel cell vehicles in use by the general population is soon (at the time of writing, 2003) expected to reach one million.
Last word
These vehicles will primarily be in use in the USA and Canada, but Europe is not far behind. A suitable hydrogen fuelling infrastructure will soon become essential.
